ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Special Service and Features
Surveys by National Statistical Office in the month of February , 2022
(Kochi , February, 02,2022
The National Statistical Office , Field Operations Division  under the Ministry of Statistics &Programme Implementation has resumed the field surveys in Kerala in the safe zones notified by the State administration adhering to the COVID-19 protocol. The office through its officials and staff is committed towards accurate and timely data collection and thereby produce robust and reliable statistics that is used by different agencies for the development of the nation. The NSO is presently conducting three major households surveys which are to be held throughout the Ernakulam district.
The Periodic Labour Force Survey  with objectives to measure the dynamics in labour force participation and employment status, would be actively pursued in the GramaPanchayat ward of Elanji Ward 9,Kavalangadu ward 2,Valokam ward 4,Edavanakkad ward 10,Kizhakkambalam ward 15 in the rural sector of the district and Alangad, Elankunnupuzha ,Kochi MC, Kothamangalam in the urban sector of the district.
Annual Survey on Unincorporated Sector Enterprises  will be targeting to encapsulate the economic and operational characteristics of unincorporated non-agricultural establishments in manufacturing, trade and other services sector. The importance of this particular survey increases manifold especially when the world including India is going through the economic crisis created by the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, as it brings out the ground reality of the establishments that are completely out of the formal sector but are pivotal to the sustainment of the national economy when this sector’s role of being an employer to unskilled/ semi-skilled and skilled persons comes into light. During the month of February 2022, ASUSE survey will be conducted in the GramaPanchayath wards of Karukutty ward 14&8,Vengoor ward 4, Mazhuvannur ward 4, Thiruvaniyoor ward 1,Manjappra ward 4 ,Edavanakkad ward 6 ,Elanji ward 2 in the rural sector and Kochi Corporation,Eloor,Kalamasseri, Cheranallur ,KedamangalamElamkinnapuzha ,Njarakkal in the urban sector.
For routine conduct of sample surveys, a geographical frame has to be decided that allows the enumerator to fix targets and achieve them in an estimated time schedule. For this purpose, the Urban Frame Survey  is undertaken through satellite mapping using mobile app. The following Kochi MC, Perumbavoor urban locales, Puthenvelikkara village, Kalady village and Vellurkunnam village would be covered in the month of February2022 for updating the Urban Frame.
Department of Space
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Bhutan on Cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space.
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today approved Memorandum of Understanding  between the Government of the Republic of India and the Royal Government of Bhutan on Cooperation in the peaceful users of outer space signed on November 19, 2020 by both sides at Bangalore/Thimpu and exchanged.
Point-wise details:
This MoU shall enable India and Bhutan to pursue cooperation in potential interest areas, such as remote sensing of the earth; satellite communication and satellitebased navigation; Space science and planetary exploration; use of spacecraft and space systems and ground system; and application of space technology.
This MoU would lead to set up a Joint Working Group, drawing members from DOS/ISRO and the Ministry of Information and Communications  of Bhutan, which will further work out the plan of action including the time-frame and the means of implementation.
Implementation Strategy and targets:
The signed MoU would lead to concluding specific Implementing Arrangement on specific areas of cooperation and setting up of Joint Working Group, to work out the plan of action including the time-frame and the means of implementing this MoU.
Major Impacts:
The signed MoU will provide Impetus to explore cooperation possibilities in the field of remote sensing of the earth; satellite communication; satellite navigation; space science and exploration of outer space.
No. of beneficiaries;
Cooperation with the Royal Government of Bhutan through this MoU would lead to develop a joint activity in the field of application of space technologies for the benefit of humanity. Thus, all sections and regions of the country will get benefitted.
Background:
India and Bhutan have been discussing on establishing formal space cooperation. A template for Inter-Governmental MoU for Space cooperation was shared with MEA in November 2017 for further taking up with Bhutan. This draft was further discussed along with other cooperative proposals during the bilateral meeting in February 2020.
After a few iterations through diplomatic channels, both sides have arrived at a workable draft of the MoU and the same was processed for internal approvals. After obtaining necessary approvals the MoU was signed on November 19, 2020 by both sides and exchanged.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles loss of lives due to a fire in Dhanbad, Jharkhand
Announces ex-gratia from PMNRF
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the loss of lives due to a fire in Dhanbad, Jharkhand.
The Prime Minister has also announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakhs to the next kin of deceased and Rs. 50,000 to those injured in the accident from Prime Minister's National Relief Fund .
The Prime Minister Office tweeted;
“Deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire in Dhanbad. My thoughts are with those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon: PM @narendramodi”
“An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased in the fire in Dhanbad. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi”
Ministry of Finance
GST Revenue Collections for the month of January 2019 crosses Rupees One Lakh Crore Mark
The total gross GST revenue collected in the month of January, 2019 is Rs 1,02,503 crore of which CGST is Rs 17,763crore, SGST is Rs 24,826 crore, IGST is Rs 51,225 crore  and Cess is Rs 8,690 crore . In FY 2018-2019, it is for the third time that GST Revenue collection has crossed One Lakh Crore. The total number of GSTR 3B Returns filed for the month of December up to 31st January, 2019 is 73.3lakh.
The government has settled Rs 18,344 crore to CGST and Rs 14,677 crore to SGST from IGST as regular settlement. The total revenue earned by Central Government and the State Governments after regular settlement in the month of December, 2018 is Rs 36,107 crore for CGST and Rs 39,503 crore for the SGST.
The collection in January 2019 is a significant increase from the collection of Rs 94,725 crore in December, which was a decline from Rs 97,637 crore in November and Rs 1,00,710 crore in October. January 2019 collections are 14% above the January 2018 collections of Rs 89,825 crore. This jump has been achieved despite various tax reductions having come into force that provided major relief to the consumers. The gross GST collections over the last three-month period has been 14% higher than the corresponding period last year.
The following Chart shows Trends in Revenue during the Current Financial Year 2018-19 as compared to the Last FY 2017-18:The following Chart shows Trends in Revenue during the Current Financial Year 2018-19 as compared to the Last FY 2017-18:
Ministry of Finance
India Jumps up 79 positions in World Bank Doing Business Rankings, Improving From 142 In 2014 To 63 in 2019
The Union Minister for Finance &Corporate Affairs, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Economic Survey 2019-20 in Parliament today. The FM informed that India has jumped up 79 positions in World Bank’s Doing Business rankings, improving from 142 in 2014 to 63 in 2019. It has progressed on seven out of the 10 parameters. The Goods and Service Tax  and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code  top the list of reforms that have propelled India’s rise in rankings. However, it continues to trail in parameters such as Ease of Starting Business , Registering Property , Paying Taxes , and Enforcing Contracts .
The number of procedures required to set up a business in India, for example, has reduced from 13 to 10 over the past ten years. Today, it takes an average of 18 days to set up a business in India, down from 30 days in 2009. Although, India has significantly reduced the time and cost of starting a business, a lot more needs to be done.
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Central Administrative Tribunal conducting a special drive across all the 19 Benches of the Tribunal for disposal of cases of most vulnerable section of applicants like the senior citizens / pensioners from 18th to 22nd April to celebrate ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’
Apropos Government of India initiative to celebrate ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ by all the Ministries/Departments, the Central Administrative Tribunal under the able guidance of Mrs. Manjula Das, Chairman, Central Administrative Tribunal celebrated the occasion during the week starting from 18th April, 2022 to 22nd April, 2022 by conducting a special drive across all the 19 Benches of the Tribunal for disposal of cases of most vulnerable section of applicants: the senior citizens / pensioners.
In order to commemorate ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, an event was organized in Central Administrative Tribunal , Principal Bench, New Delhi on 20th April, 2022, which was presided over by Mrs. Manjula Das, Chairman and attended by Members of Central Administrative Tribunal, Principal Bench, Members of CAT Bar Association, New Delhi and Officers/Staff of CAT, Principal Bench, New Delhi.
The Chairman in her address appreciated the cooperation extended by Members of CAT, Members of the Bar and Officers/Staff of the Tribunal during the difficult pandemic period, which has immensely helped in sailing the ship through the turbulent waters and achieving the desired results in terms of disposal of cases, infrastructural developments in various Benches and amelioration of the working conditions of officers/staff by effecting promotions, resolving their grievances etc. She also covered the detailed roadmap for further improvement in functioning of the Tribunal and minimizing pendency of the cases.
The occasion was also marked by the felicitation of the CAT, Bar Associations for their commendable role as officers of the court in delivery of Justice and in addition to this, the meritorious services of 20 officers/staff of the Tribunal during the year 2021-22 were duly rewarded by Hon’ble the Chairman.
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Ministry of Finance
Income Tax Department conducts search on prominent persons in Film Industry in Tamil Nadu
The Income Tax Department conducted a search in the case of 4 major players in the Film Industry including a Producer, a prominent Actor, his Distributor and Financier based in Tamil Nadu on 05-02-2020.
The common thread among all these entities was the success of a recent film which was a box office hit collecting around Rs 300 crore. About 38 premises of the group were covered in search and survey actions spread over Chennai and Madurai.
The highlight of the search is the seizure of unaccounted cash of about Rs 77 crore from hideouts and secret places located at Chennai and Madurai, purportedly belonging to the financier. Large number of property documents, Promissory notes, post dated cheques taken as collateral security were recovered during the search and have been seized. As per evidence detected during the search, it is estimated that the concealment in this case is likely to exceed Rs 300 crore.
The distributor, who is a part of the group searched, is also a builder. All documents in original, belonging to the distributor have been recovered from a hideout place, which was the house of his friend. Scrutiny of the evidence so unearthed is under progress.
The producer, who is also a part of the group searched, is into film production, distribution and film exhibiting Multiplexes and has produced several films. Analysis of the accounts available in the office premises is under process. Evidences of actual receipts and expenses booked and remuneration paid to Artists is under investigation.
In the context of the issues of the prominent Actor, it is stated, that, his investment in immovable properties and remuneration received from the said Producer for acting in the film is the subject matter of investigation in the present search. Searches in some of the premises are still continuing.
Ministry of Power
NHPC and APGENCO join hands for implementation of Pumped Storage Hydropower Projects and other Renewable Energy Projects in Andhra Pradesh
Taking one more step towards clean and green energy, NHPC Limited, India’s premier hydropower company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation  Limited  for implementation of Pumped Hydro Storage Projects and Renewable Energy Projects in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
In the first phase, the MoU envisages implementation of two identified Pumped Hydro Storage Projects of total capacity 1,950 MW. These projects are Kamlapadu  and Yaganti . The implementation of these projects is expected to create significant employment opportunities and boost the local economy in the region. The projects will be implemented under Joint Venture mode.
The MoU was signed in Tadepalli, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh on 23rd August, 2023, in the presence of Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Shri Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. The agreement was signed by Director , NHPC, Shri R.P. Goyal and Managing Director, APGENCO, Shri K. V. N. Chakradhar Babu, in the presence of other officers of both organizations.
The MoU seeks to harness Pump Storage Projects as Energy Storage Solutions to achieve the national objective of clean and green energy, i.e., of achieving 500 GW of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel  sources by the year 2030 and of realizing Net Zero by 2070.
Pumped Storage System utilises surplus grid power available from thermal power stations or other sources to pump up water from lower to upper reservoir and reproduces power during peak demand when there is scarcity of power.
NHPC Limited is India’s premier Hydropower Company. NHPC’s total installed capacity is 7,097.2 MW of renewable power , through its 25 power stations including 1,520 MW through subsidiaries.
You may like to read this too: Speeding up Hydro Power: Central Electricity Authority Fast-tracks Approval Mechanism for Pumped Storage Projects
Ministry of Home Affairs
Integrated Check Posts at International Land Borders
The Government of India has set up Integrated Check Posts at international land borders of the country with the aim to facilitate cross-border trade and movement of passengers. Presently, 09 Integrated Check Posts are operational at various land borders. The details of these Integrated Check Posts are given below.
After establishment of these Integrated Check Posts, the trade volume and movement of passengers has increased.
Details of operational Integrated Check Posts:-
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S. No.
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Location
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State
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Border
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Operationalized on
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1.
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Attari
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Punjab
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Pakistan
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13.04.2012
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2.
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Agartala
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Tripura
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Bangladesh
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17.11.2013
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3.
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Petrapole
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West Bengal
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Bangladesh
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12.02.2016
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4.
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Raxaul
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Bihar
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Nepal
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03.06.2016
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5.
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Jogbani
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Bihar
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Nepal
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15.11.2016
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6.
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Moreh
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Manipur
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Myanmar
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15.03.2018
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7.
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Sutarkandi
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Assam
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Bangladesh
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07.09.2019
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8.
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PTB Dera Baba Nanak|
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Punjab
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Pakistan
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09.11.2019
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9.
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Srimantapur
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Tripura
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Bangladesh
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05.09.2020Passenger Terminal Building  at Dera Baba Nanak is used only to facilitate pilgrims to visit the Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib ji in Pakistan.
This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nisith Pramanik in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves Agreement with UNESCO on establishment of International Training Centre for Operational Oceanography in Hyderabad
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the establishment of International Training Centre for Operational Oceanography, as a Category-2 Centre  of UNESCO, in Hyderabad.
The purpose of this Agreement is to establish a training centre towards development of capacity for the countries on the Indian Ocean Rim , African countries bordering the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, small island countries under the framework of UNESCO. The operational oceanography is an activity of conducting systematic oceanographic studies towards providing information services to various sectors viz. fisherman, disaster management, shipping, ports, coastal states, navy, coast guard, environment, offshore industries for conducting their day-to- day operations.
The Centre will provide assistance in areas of capacity building and training, knowledge sharing and exchange of information, and hence could represent a valuable resource for UNESCO and its Intergovernmental Oceanography Commission  by enhancing the impact and visibility of UNESCO's action.
The establishment of UNESCO Category-2 Centre will provide an opportunity for India to emerge as a leading country in the Indian Ocean. This will also help India to forge cooperation and improve engagement among the counties of the Indian Ocean, including South Asian and African states bordering the Indian Ocean. The establishment of the centre would respond to the worldwide increasing need to build technical and management capacity to address marine and coastal sustainability issues and prepare the region for and react efficiently to marine natural hazards. The Centre could contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal-14  related to building marine scientific research capacity in geographical area of the Centre responsibility which will also fulfill the commitments to support Small Island Developing States, Least Developed Countries.
This C2C is intended to improve skill of students and other participants which will increase the employment opportunities within and outside India. The establishment of C2C is also expected to increase ancillary development leading to employment generation in India. The centre is currently operational with the state-of-the-art facilities available at Indian Centre for Ocean Information Services , Hyderabad. So far, over 681 scientists including 576 from India and 105 from 34 other countries have been trained at this centre in various aspects of operational oceanography. The other infrastructure facilities like building and training hostel are being established. It is also envisaged to invite world class .
Cabinet
Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana - 2017
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its post-facto approval for launching of Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana 2017 . It is a part of Government’s commitment for financial inclusion and social security.
The scheme will be implemented through Life Insurance Corporation of India  during the current financial year to provide social security during old age and protect elderly persons aged 60 years and above against a future fall in their interest income due to uncertain market conditions. The scheme will provide an assured pension based on a guaranteed rate of return of 8% per annum for ten years, with an option to opt for pension on a monthly / quarterly / halfyearly and annual basis. The differential return, i.e., the difference between the return generated by LIC and the assured return of 8% per annum would be borne by Government of India as subsidy on an annual basis.
VPBY-2017 is proposed to be open for subscription for a period of one year from the date of launch.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Films Division pays tribute to Sarojini Naidu on her 143rd birth anniversary
Biopic to be streamed as a tribute to Sarojini Naidu
Films Division is paying tribute to Sarojini Naidu, a doyen of Indian Independence movement, famously called as ‘Nightingale of India/ Bharat Kokila’, on her 143rd birth anniversary on 13 February, 2022. A biopic on her will be streamed on FD website and YouTube channel to mark the occasion. This screening is a part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebration by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India.
The documentary Sarojini Naidu - The Nightingale of India , throws light on the versatile personality who was a great freedom fighter, poet and the first women Governor of an Indian state. More importantly, the film has Sarojini Naidu’s voice, addressing the Asian Relations Conference.
Please visit https://filmsdivision.org/ and click @ “Documentary of the Week” or follow Films Division YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/FilmsDivision to watch the film.
Ministry of Women and Child Development
Child Protection Services Scheme
As per census 2011, there are 472 million children below the age of 18 years and comprise 39 percent of the total population. The Ministry is implementing a centrally sponsored scheme namely Child Protection Services  Scheme under which support is provided to States and UT Governments for delivering services for children in need and difficult circumstances. The Child Care Institutions  established under the CPS scheme support inter-alia age-appropriate education, access to vocational training, recreation, health care, counselling etc. and equally covers rural and urban children.
National Commission for Protection of Child Rights , an autonomous body under the aegis of Ministry of Women and Child Development, is entrusted with the mandate to ensure that all Laws, Policies, Programmes, and Administrative Mechanisms are in consonance with the Child Rights perspective as enshrined in the Constitution of India and also the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Various activities are taken up by the NCPCR along with the State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights  through consultation, webinar, developing of creative material with reference to children rights, well being, nutrition etc. from their allocated budget. Budget allocation for NCPCR for the year 2020-21 was Rs.1800.00 lakh and the funds released to States/UTs under CPS scheme for the year 2020-21 was Rs.70977.53 lakh.
This information was given by the Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Special Service and Features
2.82 Kg gold worth Rs. 1.48 crore seized by Chennai Air Customs
On Wednesday seven passengers of Tamil Nadu who arrived from Dubai by Emirates Flight EK 544 were intercepted at exit of customs arrival hall by AIU officers on suspicion of carrying gold. On persistent questioning they confessed to carrying bundles of gold paste concealed in rectum. On their personal search total 9 bundles were recovered from rectum from which 1.28 kg gold was extracted and also four gold cut bits and two gold chains were recovered from their pant pockets. Total 1.43 Kg gold valued at Rs. 75.5 lakhs was recovered and seized under Customs Act.
Earlier on Tuesday night seven passengers from Tamil Nadu who arrived by Air India Express Flight IX 1644 were intercepted at the exit on suspicion of carrying gold. On their personal search 9 bundles of gold paste were recovered from rectum. Total 1.39 Kg gold of 24 K purity valued at Rs. 72.51 lakhs was recovered and seized under Customs Act.
Total 2.82 kg gold worth Rs. 1.48 crore was recovered and seized under Customs Act 1962. Further investigation is under progress.
This is stated in a press release issued by the Commissioner of Customs, Chennai International Airport.